. >> it's been hitting hard, economy, anything you can get your hand on right now you have to take it. >> reporter: for the unemployed, gifts may be coming early this year as many as 700,000 seasonal jobs around the country will be up for grabs. and in preparation for what could be the best holiday hiring season in five years, some of the biggest names in retail are already accepting applications. kohl's plans to hire 52,000 workers. a whopping 10,000 more jobs than last holiday season. at wal-mart, 50,000 jobs. 45,000 at toys "r" us, up 5,000 from last year and as many as 90,000 jobs at target. >> what we are seeing this year, retailers placing big bets. >> reporter: jobs that earn $7 an hour means a paycheck of more than $5,000 by the end of the holiday crush. it may not be much to live on, but for laid off call center worker matthew, it is a holiday wish come true. >> i was looking at the store down there, just something for the holidays, extra income, and pay down some credit cards and stuff like that. >> reporter: for some, temporary jobs will turn permanent. last year, toys "r"